Student Dental Nurses
- Basic Qualification for Dental Nurses
A Chance to Study for the National Certificate in Dental Nursing
Why now?- It is now compulsory for Dental Nurses to register with the General Dental Council. We are experiencing an increase in demand from dentists who want a structered training programme for the dental nurses that they employ that will lead them to a GDC recognised qualification. Nurses who are working within the profession, but have never had any formal training are also keen to begin a course of study. We have courses of study available in Brighton, Haywards Heath and Eastbourne throughout 2008 and 2009.
How will studying for the National Certificate benefit me?- You will:
- Gain personal satisfaction from reaching the National Occupational Standards,
- Be recognised by the dental profession as a competent dental nurse,
- Be able to register on General Dental Council Register Dental Care Professionals,
- Improve career opportunities for professional development,
- Be eligible to study for post-certification qualification.
Organisations who wish to provide the training leading to the qualifications provided by the NEBDN will now have to be accredited. This is to comply with the GDS's requirements relating to statutory registration which states that: "On qualification all Dental Care Professionals should have attained the highest standards and education providers should make available high quality learning opportunities and experiences to enable students to achieve them'. KSS has achieved this accreditation.
When do the courses begin?- They will start various times throughout the year. They will normally take place in BRIGHTON, EASTBOURNE and HAYWARDS HEATH. The courses take place from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm every two weeks. There will be 30 formal learning sessions with support from three Dental Nurse Tutors. Two of the tutors are current Examiners for the National Certificate. By following recognised NEBDN syllabus the course will provide the underpinning knowledge necessary for those wishing to gain the qualification. There will also support available from the tutors within the dental nurses own working environment should it be needed. The aim is that the course participants will sit the examinations an 18-24 month period. The NEBDN has recently introduced the 'Record of Experience' as part of the National Examination syllabus. This means that some of the work you undertake as part of your course will take place in your practice. You will need to have named 'mentor' who has registered with the GDC through a recognised qualification, and is willing to help supervise you through this part of the course. They will not have to undertake any 'teaching'. The role is one of overseeing some workplace activities. The mentor will be required to liaise with the course tutor. Dental nurses who have passed their National Certificate examination but are still undertaking the 24 months' chairside experience required for full qualification would be considered 'in training' until they received their qualification.
What does it cost?- The cost is £550 for a nurse who works in a dental practice that maintains a current NHS contract. This fee rises to £650 for nurses employed in a private practice. The fees must be paid in full before commencing the course. The fee is non-refundable. This applied even if you change employment during the duration of the course. It does not include the examination fee which is payable to the NEBDN prior to taking the examination.
What is included?- This fee includes all course notes and refreshments. It also includes:
- an individual copy of DNNET which is the e-learning dental nurse training package provided by Smile-On which brings to life the theory by incorporating audio and video footage and interactive exercises to test knowledge and experience.
- a copy of 'Teamwork 7' which is a training companion for dental nurses produced by the Faculty of General Dental Practice.
It is recommended that dental nurses who wish to apply for the course have had at least 6-12 months chair side experience before beginning the programme of study. Dental nurses who do not have this experience are recommended to purchase DNSTART.
How do I apply?- You will need to fill in application form and return it to us. We will send you a letter acknowledging your application and informing you of when our next enrolment period is opening. This letter will be your evidence- 'proof of the GDC' to show that you have applied to a course which has not yet started.
What if I am not accepted on to the course?- The GDC stated that from August 1st any dental nurse employed in a dental practice must be either on their DCP register, or on an accredited training course leading to qualification, or on a waiting list for such a course whihc has yet to start. GDC says 'that nurses must take every effort possible, and be able to demonstrate that they have made the effort to get on the next available course'. Dental nurses who are employed by a dental practice with a view to enroling on a training course for which enrolment has not yet opened can also be defined as 'in training.
If your application is not successful we will write to you and let you know of this. It may be that you do not have the required experience necessary to begin a course of formal study. If this is the reason we will recommend that you purchase DNSTART.
GDC says 'before the trainee nurse undertakes any duties in the practice he or she must receive an appropriate induction, which must include confidentiality and health and safety in practice'.
What if I have enough experience but the course is already full?- If this is the cade then we will still interview you. We will write and inform you of this. If successful at this interview you will then be placed on our waiting list for the next available course. This letter will provide you with 'the proof to the GDC' that you are on a waiting list as the current courses are all full. You should normally not exceed a period of six months on this waiting list.
For Application Form click here.
For further information please contact:
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Dental Team Administrator on MStrycharska@kssdeanery.ac.uk or 0207 415 3423
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Clinical Dental Adviser on kathrynm@btconnect.com or 01267 241 932
For the List of other Providers of courses leading to qualification in Dental Nursing Click Here
DNSTART is an e-learning course that aims to provide learners with a training pathway that will allow them to work prior being registered with the General Dental Council. It is ideal for new dental nurses; dental nurses who are returning to practice or any dental nurses who want to add to their CPD points. DNSTART provides dental nurses with 10 hours of verifiable CPD points.
It has been developed by KSS Deanery with the University of Kent on behalf of COPDEND, and produced by Smile-On.
To work as a dental nurse you must be registered or on an accredited training course. If you are not, you cannot work as a dental nurse. (Click here to read about accredited training course provided by the KSS Deanery). This DNSTART programme provides an appropriate 'induction' to dental nursing in the interim - as described by the General Dental Council.
Normally, you should commence your full accredited training course within six months of starting work.
The objectives are to ensure you have basic understanding of dentistry and the role of the Dental Nurse within the following areas:
- Health and Safety
- Medical Emergencies
- Infection Control
- Radiography
- Working with the Dental Team
- Record Keeping and
- Surgery Routine
To download flyer with the DNSTART details click here.
To order DNSTART from the KSS Deanery please send a cheque or postal order for £54.00 with your postal address attached to: The Dental Team Administrator, KSS Deanery, 7 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 2DD
For further details email dentalinfo@kssdeanery.ac.uk with DNSTART in the subject.
KSS Deanery Conference 19 November 2008
We would like to invite you to the annual Deanery Dental Conference. For the third time we have brought together in one venue some excellent speakers and this year the theme is "Medical Emergencies" in the morning, and in the afternoon Dental Surgeons and Dental Care Professionals have their own seperate programme.
For more information click here and for registration form click here.
Surrey NVQ Centre is approved to provide Level 3 NVQ Dental Nursing
Dental Nurses can gain a nationally recognised qualification to meet General Dental Council requirements for registration
Candidates will be expected to complete their award within 2 years
Programme cost: £1,200 and includes: City & Guilds registration & certification, Induction, an underpinning knowledge session for each of the 11 mandatory units, examination preparation /revision tutorials, work based assessment, internal verification, resources, administration. VRQ Award Fee TBC.
Train to Gain funding is available to those who meet the required eligibility.
To find out more and how to apply please contact Cherry Burton NVQ Centre Administrator,